The Hill is a relational community, and the benefits of Scotch Boarding mirror those of an engaged life.
Time together in an intimate, secure, diverse environment enables boys to develop an understanding of the ways in which people interact, as they come to appreciate how the world came to be as it is, and how it might be made better.
By learning not to take themselves too seriously, boys get to see the good in others, while reflecting on their lives as members of a community teaches them to be slow to judge. Through the need to gain consensus, boys learn that good ideas only progress with collaboration, while observation of the best in others encourages them to set high standards in all they take on.
Importantly, in this dynamic, connected world, exposure to the generosity of those around them helps boys to begin to understand the beauty that lies within, establishing strong foundations for the journey ahead. In addition to supervised study routines and rostered academic support from staff, in the spirit of their age, Scotch boarders share, critique and refine ideas across age levels and between the three Boarding Houses.
Healthy competition comes in many forms, not least in each round of House contests for the coveted Wedderburn Cup. And, with the school campus as their backyard, our boarders can take advantage of Scotch’s wonderful facilities. Supervised outings provide ready access to the school’s bush and beach campuses, to all that is on offer in the city of Melbourne, and to a broad range of organised external activities.
Scotch boarders access a high-quality education and immerse themselves in the vast array of opportunities the school offers. They permeate every class, sporting team, musical group, drama cast and activity.
Through their character and diversity, Scotch boarders have contributed immeasurably to the school’s values, character and successes, while ensuring Scotch’s reach and influence extend beyond the Hawthorn campus.
Scotch boarders leave school well-equipped and ready to grasp the opportunities of their age. They know that however it might be presented, the building block of successful communities, businesses, enterprises, friendships and families is not binary code, but people.
Mr Lawson Waser
Introduction
On the Hill, the boarders live in one of three separate Boarding Houses:
- Arthur Robinson House
- McMeckan House
- School House
The Houses are under the direction of a Head of House, who is a member of the teaching staff and resides in the House with their family. They are assisted by a Deputy Head of House. At least two other staff members also reside in each House, with additional staff living nearby in flats and houses with their families. The Matron or House Manager looks after laundry, sewing and general housekeeping. Overall responsibility for the Hill rests with the Director of Boarding, who meets regularly with the Heads of Houses. In all, there are about 20 members of staff providing care and encouragement to boarders.
Academic assistance
Homework (known as ‘Prep’) is supervised in the evenings by the Person on Duty, assisted by senior students and a senior staff member, providing an active and approachable presence within each House. Help is never far away –whether from a staff member, an older boy, or a student in the same year level. There is a structured approach to Prep that provides boys with the tools to perform to the best of their ability.
Additional tuition is available to boarders most evenings, with specialist teachers in Mathematics and English on hand to provide support. Assistance with study skills is also offered, and boarding staff spend time in the evenings offering help in their subject areas.
Facilities
Bedrooms and studies
In Years 7 to 10, boys sleep in dormitory groups of up to four, with the numbers in each dormitory reducing as they progress through the school Generally, boys share rooms with other boys from the same year level, with great care taken by the Head of House when allocating rooms. On occasion, a boy may be required to room with a boy from a higher or lower year level; however, this will only occur in consultation with the Director of Boarding and families of the boys involved.
Boys in Years 7 to 10 complete their homework in the Prep Room, supervised by staff. Year 11 boys share rooms of two or three, and have their own bedroom and desk area divided off from their roommates. Year 12 students have their own separate study bedrooms.
Music practice rooms
Many boarders learn musical instruments The school’s practice rooms, located in the Boarding Houses and the nearby Music School, are available for their use. There is also a modern piano in each House for boys to use.
Computers/Internet/Intranet access
Each House has its own computers and printer with access to the Internet. They are linked to the Scotch Intranet, which enables access to the Learning Management System (LMS), where homework set by class teachers and many other resources can be found. Wireless access is available across all areas of the campus. Private broadband access is not necessary and is discouraged.
Boys in Years 7 to 10 are not allowed access to their phone or computers/laptops after bedtime. All devices must be locked away in the charging stations provided.
Contacting staff and boys
Families can contact boarding staff either through the duty mobile or by calling the Head of House directly. Staff email addresses are also provided for convenience. To ensure minimal disturbance during Prep times, we discourage contacting the boys between 6:45pm and 8:45pm, Sunday to Thursday. An urgent message for a boy can be left with the Head of House or via the duty mobile.
Boys will keep in regular contact with their families via their personal devices.
Computers and gaming
Boys will need to sign the school’s ICT policy in relation to computers and personal devices. Whilst boys are allowed to bring mobile phones and personal devices into boarding, they should not bring specific gaming devices or consoles into the boarding environment Such devices are unnecessary, as each House provides gaming entertainment. In addition, boys do not need multiple devices, as they are difficult to keep track of and cause unnecessary distractions. The school’s wireless service is restricted, providing an important limit on access to inappropriate content. Privately provided data is difficult to monitor, and families do not need to provide large amounts of private data to boarders.
Money requirements
It is very difficult for Heads of House to control the access boys have to money, as many have bank accounts and ATM cards. Ultimately, the limit to the supply must come from home.
Each boarder requires about $300 pocket money per term, which should be sufficient to cover the needs of most boys. No boy is to leave money lying around the House. To protect such monies, boys should use the lockable bedhead safe provided.
Shopping centre
A small shopping centre is located just one block from the school on Glenferrie Road. The shops include a small supermarket, post office, and news agency, allowing boarders to purchase incidental items. Leave to visit these neighbourhood shops is readily available on weekdays after school and on weekends. Boys record their leave before leaving but must return by 5:45pm.
Travel
Public transport network
Students under 18 in Victoria can travel for free on public transport using the Youth Myki card, which allows unlimited travel across trams, trains, buses, and regional coaches throughout the network
Private cars
Boys are not permitted to bring their private vehicles to the Hill. In addition, it is expected that no boarder will travel in another student’s vehicle without written permission from his parents to the Head of House.
Recreation
Recreation rooms
The recreation rooms in each House provide comfortable areas for conversation, listening to music, or reading. These rooms also contain a billiards table and a table tennis table. A separate area is provided for television viewing and computer games.
Billiards table
This is a very valuable piece of equipment, and only recognised games (billiards, snooker, and pool) should be played on it. At the end of the game, balls should be returned to the box provided and cues to the rack. At no time should anyone sit or lie along the edge of the table.
Boarding House library
Novels and textbooks may be borrowed at any time, but should be replaced properly when finished. The school librarians regularly visit the Boarding Houses to refresh the magazines and books available.
Sporting equipment
Boys can bring some personal items onto the Hill; however, they need to be named, and boys need to take responsibility for such items. Large items, e.g. golf clubs, can be problematic due to space limitations.
Weekday and weekend activities
The Boarding School takes pride in being strongly represented in the various school sports teams. Organised training takes place on two nights per week, and matches are played on Saturday mornings. Sport is compulsory at Scotch, and boarders are an integral part of the school sports teams.
Boarders are also encouraged to join the various clubs and societies which exist within the school. A list of these is to be found in A Guide to Scotch College. It is possible for a boarder to order a cut lunch to enable him to attend lunchtime meetings of such clubs.
All boys appreciate the break in the busy weekday routine that a weekend provides. There is plenty of activity on weekends. Whilst older boys often have homework to complete and may need to study for forthcoming exams and tests, there is much more for boarders to do.
Interschool sport
On Saturday mornings, College sporting teams of all age groups compete against teams from other private schools. All boys participate in this sporting program, and more than 20 different sports are catered for at different levels of ability. At times, boys may travel using public transport, taxis, or occasionally with a parent of another Scotch College student. Transport can be
arranged from the Hill to venues that are difficult to access by public transport. Scotch has an outstanding reputation for sportsmanship and success in these competitions.
Melbourne City
Because Scotch College is located just a short train or tram ride from the centre of Melbourne, boarders have the opportunity to experience and benefit from its rich cultural life. Groups frequently attend sporting events, theatre productions, art galleries, special exhibitions, and the cinema –often at considerably reduced costs – as part of the Boarding Activities Program
Visiting friends
Where parents have given permission for boarders to visit friends residing in Melbourne, Heads of Houses are happy to grant leave for these visits on Saturday afternoons or Sundays.
Leisure activities
The boys have access to television, computers, gaming consoles, cinema, chess, Foxtel cable television, pool, billiards, and table tennis within their House. Weekends provide opportunities for informal games between the boarders, and all Scotch sporting facilities are available to them.
The Glenn Centre, the College’s indoor sporting complex, is open at various times on weekends. Boarders may swim in the heated swimming and diving pool, under the supervision of duty staff and a lifeguard, or use the other facilities at the Centre for squash, basketball, badminton or volleyball.
The Hill remains a busy and vibrant place on weekends. The Boarding Activities Coordinator arranges numerous activities for boys, predominantly on Sundays. Activities are communicated to parents via The Torch, and boys are encouraged to sign up in advance. Some activities incur a cost to families; however, every effort is made to minimise costs. Activities vary, and boys are encouraged to suggest their own ideas. These can include mountain bike riding, skiing, bowling, go-karting, museum visits, and more
Bicycles
There are several bicycle tracks adjacent to the school grounds. The Boarders’ Parents’ Association has made some bicycles available for the use of the boarders. Boys may bring bicycles to the Hill with the Head of House’s permission, but each boy must provide a bicycle lock and his own helmet. The bicycles must be stored as directed by the Head of House.
Visitors
Visitors are most welcome on the Hill but must first be introduced to the Person on Duty. They must sign the Visitor’s Register and collect a blue visitor’s lanyard, which must be worn at all times. When leaving, visitors must sign the register again and return the lanyard. All v isitors are required to stay in communal areas and must not access the boys’ dormitories. Parents are welcome to join their sons for a meal in the dining hall at any time.
Socials
The boarders are often invited to socials held at other Melbourne boarding schools. Boarding school staff attend these functions to help with supervision. Scotch usually reciprocates with our own social once a year.
Dancing classes
Dancing classes for Year 10 boys are held during Term 3 in conjunction with girls from Methodist Ladies’ College and surrounding schools. The classes are conducted by an external organisation. Dancing classes are compulsory for all Year 10 boarders.
Chapel
All boarders attend Chapel each Sunday evening to help remind boys of the spiritual dimension to their lives. Attendance is compulsory unless a boarder is in the Health Centre or has permission from the Head of House. All boys need to return from weekend leave by 6:00pm for dinner and Chapel.
Boarders’ Revue
A music and drama performance is produced for parents and friends, coinciding with Family Day on the last weekend of Term 3. It provides a good opportunity for boys in acting, singing, backstage work, and cooperative activity. The presentation varies in style between years.
Closed weekends
There is a closed weekend in Terms 1 to 3 when all boys are expected to stay in for the weekend and participate in various activities and competitions for the Wedderburn Cup. This is designed to provide some friendly competition between the Houses and enhance the camaraderie among the boys on the Hill. Dates are advertised in the school calendar at the start of each school year.
Exeat weekends
These are designated long weekends of three to four days throughout the year, called ‘Exeats’, in which all boarders leave the boarding school. The Exeat provides boarders with a change of routine, and country boys use the opportunity to visit their families. Overseas students’ leave arrangements are coordinated by the Overseas Student Coordinator.
The distribution of long weekends and other Exeats throughout the year varies from time to time. These dates are published well in advance and are always in the school diary. The Houses are closed for these weekends, and boys are expected to go home or to stay with people approved by their parents. On these days, school ends at the normal time of 3:30pm. Some boys might need to be released early, and they must seek approval for ‘early leave’ from their Head of Day House well in advance. An evening meal will be available at 6:00pm on the return day and all boys should be back by 8:00pm. Boarding Houses open after 4:00pm on the last day of the Exeat.
Meals
All meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – are served in a communal dining hall adjacent to the living accommodation. The food is of a high standard and is prepared in a modern kitchen, staffed by professional chefs and their assistants. Attending the dining hall at designated mealtimes is compulsory unless leave has been granted.
Every endeavour is made to ensure that each boy receives a balanced diet, and there is sufficient quantity for healthy appetites. Consultation with a dietitian takes place regularly. Boys with special food requirements are catered for within limits, and all meals are supervised by staff.
Any comments or complaints about food or service must be directed to either the Director of Boarding or the appropriate Head of House. A Boarding Food Committee – comprised of boys, the Director of Boarding, the Head Chef, and the Catering Manager – meets termly to discuss menus, theme nights, and other relevant issues.
Mealtimes
Weekdays Breakfast
6:30-8:15am
All boys are expected to be in the Dining Hall by 8:15am
Lunch 12:55-1:45pm
Dinner 6:00pm
Weekends Breakfast
6:30-10:00am (Saturday)
7:30-10:30am (Sunday)
Lunch 12:45pm
Dinner 6:00pm
Conduct at meals
A high standard of good manners is expected at all mealtimes to benefit the health and safety of all present.
Any boy arriving late for a meal must report to the Person on Duty in his House before proceeding to his seat.
During any meal, boys should not eat or drink while walking about the dining hall.
No cutlery, crockery, food, or drink is to be removed from the dining hall unless special permission has been obtained.
Dress and appearance
Correct school uniform or service uniform must be worn to breakfast during the week. However, the suit coat is optional. The minimum dress standard at other meals is t-shirt (not singlet style), shorts, and thongs. Caps and hats should not be worn.
School uniform may also be worn.
Sporting clothes may be worn to lunch on Saturday only if they are not dirty or muddy, in which case it will be necessary to either change or put on a tracksuit.
Hygiene
Boarders are expected to maintain the highest level of hygiene at all times.
Miscellaneous
Early breakfasts, late meals and cut lunches etc., must be booked in the folder provided in the servery by the end of tea the night before.
Requests for food supplies for barbecues, trips, or camps organised by the school should be made well in advance to the Director of Boarding, in writing, and not to the kitchen staff.
The kitchen area at the rear of the dining hall is out of bounds.
Day boys may be invited for lunch, provided their names are written on the food supplies the morning before. They should be introduced to the Person on Duty upon entering the dining hall. Approval must be obtained from the Head of House or the Director of Boarding at least one day in advance
Kitchenette
Each House has a kitchenette, equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and sandwich press. Boys may use the kitchenette for preparing beverages and light snacks. Supper boxes containing bread, cheese, condiments, and biscuits are supplied.
Use of Kitchenette
• All food should be stored in airtight containers
• Boys should remain in the kitchenette while using a cooking appliance
• Appliances must be turned off before leaving the kitchenette
• Under normal circumstances, food and drink are to be consumed either in the kitchenette, the area immediately adjacent to it, or outside the House
• All cutlery, crockery, and cooking utensils used must be washed up and put away, or placed in the dishwasher
• The sink, tables, and benches should be wiped down and left clean and tidy after use
• Rubbish should be placed in the bin provided.
Use of microwave
• Remain at the microwave while it is being used.
• The following should never be placed into the microwave:
– Metal containers or metal objects
– Sealed containers or foods such as eggs
• Wash or wipe any spills from the microwave turntable
Term transitions
Arrangements for start of term
Boys returning to school at the commencement of a new term should report after midday, except at the beginning of the year when Houses are open from 8:00am. An evening meal will be available in the dining hall.
All boys must return directly to school from the bus, plane, or train terminal. All boys should be in the House by 8:00pm unless the Head of House has been notified of late arrival due to train or bus schedules.
A meeting of the Boarders’ Parents’ Association is held on the evening of the day the boarders return to school
Arrangements after term closure
• All boarders are expected to leave their Boarding House on the day term ends. Early departures must be approved by the boy’s Head of Year/Day House.
• Boarders must leave their dormitories, desks, lockers, and studies tidy at the end of each term. At the end of each year, these must be left empty. Normally, boys’ clothes will be taken home for parents to check, but linen and the like may be stored over the holiday. Clothing and other gear left lying about at the end of the year will be sent to charity.
For boarders leaving luggage in the Houses to be picked up after camps, hikes, etc.:
• It is sometimes necessary for a boy to leave his luggage in the House while he attends a Cadet course, Scout camp or hike, Scotch at Cowes, and other activities run by the school. The Head of House must be consulted to arrange full details and dates.
• No boys should enter the House during the holidays without first seeking permission from the Head of House, or in their absence, the Director of Boarding.
• Boys returning from Scout or Cadet camps usually need to shower and change. In such
cases, each House makes its own arrangements for supervision, and boys must consult the Head of House beforehand to arrange the details.
Medical
Health Centre
Normal Hours: 7:30am to 8:00pm weekdays, and 8:00am to 6:00pm on weekends.
A doctor and nurse are always ‘on call’ for any emergencies.
General consultations
Boys with minor or routine illnesses or injuries should report to the nurse for consultation immediately after breakfast.
The school doctor is available for consultation and usually runs one clinic a week, on Monday lunchtimes. Appointments are made by the nurse.
The doctor is on call for emergencies at all other times and will be called at the discretion of the nurse.
Procedure on admission to the Health Centre
The Boarders’ Health Centre has six beds for boys who are ill or injured, a doctor’s consulting room, a nurse’s clinic, and accommodation for the registered nurses.
If admitted to the Health Centre for treatment or observation, the boy will need to collect (or have collected) from the House his pyjamas/boxers, tshirt, toiletries, schoolbooks, and reading material. Families are notified whenever a boy is admitted.
Boys who are seriously ill or injured are accompanied and sent to the Royal Children’s Hospital or private hospitals, depending on the circumstances. In most cases, boys are sent to Cabrini Private Hospital, located in Malvern, a short distance from the school. The school has a relationship with Cabrini Private Hospital, ensuring boys are treated promptly and there is ease of access for follow-up care. Families should ensure they have hospital insurance to cover the cost of
private hospitalisation. Overseas students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a condition to their visa.
Every attempt is made before admission to contact families of boys requiring hospitalisation, usually by the doctor in attendance, so the details can be explained fully and consent to proceed can be obtained.
Medication
All medicines and tablets, including cold and flu tablets and analgesics (pain killers), are to be kept and administered at the Health Centre. This is most important to enable the nurse and doctor to monitor illnesses among the boarders, no matter how trivial or insignificant they may seem.
Doctor’s accounts
Boys will be bulk-billed if they provide the Health Centre with a current Medicare card number, with the reference number against their name. Whilst it is possible to bulk-bill manually, these numbers are an important part of the automated billing process. When you receive a new Medicare card, please ensure you inform the Health Centre of the new numbers and expiry date.
Overseas student health cover
Boys who are not Australian citizens are not covered by the national health insurance scheme, Medicare. Overseas students are covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), operated by Medibank Private, for the purpose of claiming refunds for services by doctors, and for entitlements for the use of public or private hospitals. Documentation for this scheme and payment of the annual subscription are organised by the school. The scheme covers 85% of the scheduled fee for a consultation with a doctor, and full cover for a shared ward in any public hospital.
Overseas students will be billed by the doctor.
The account should be:
a) Paid directly to the doctor
b) The receipt should then be presented to Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover, with a claim form. This reimburses 85% of
the scheduled fee. (For further details, please refer to the Medibank OSHC pamphlet available from the Admissions office.)
Parents of overseas students can take out private hospital insurance as well if they wish, as outlined in the OSHC pamphlet.
Pharmacy supplies
If a boy requires items from the pharmacy, he must attend the Health Centre where the item will be ordered. These purchases are billed directly to the boarder’s account.
Purchases made over the counter must be paid for in cash and cannot be charged.
Behaviour
Code of behaviour
Part of our aim in providing a caring community is to ensure that all boys respect each other.
Self-respect
All boarders should feel proud of who they are, what they believe in, and their individual achievements. Each boarder has the right to his individuality and should be prepared to stand up for that right.
Respect for others
Each boarder should respect the right of all fellow boarders to their own individuality and should never attempt to impose their own standards or expectations upon them. At all times, in and around their House, behaviour and language should be such as to cause no embarrassment, hurt, inconvenience, or extra work for anyone else
A person’s right to privacy and space should be respected, and everyone should be considerate and tolerant of each other’s different personalities and backgrounds
All members of the Hill community should feel safe, secure, and be treated with kindness and respect.
Respect for others’ belongings
Boarders should respect the privacy of others and never interfere with their belongings. Articles should be clearly named to assist with their return.
Respect for the boarding community
Each boarder should do all in his power to preserve and improve, where needed, the good name of their House and the Hill, remembering that the effort we put in is proportional to what we get out.
Respect for authority
Heads of House, assistant staff, matrons, and prefects have a difficult task to perform. Every boarder should show respect to staff and fellow boarders and aim to resolve any personal differences in a positive, non-threatening way.
Respect for the fabric of the House
Each boy should endeavour to ensure the facilities and property in the House are maintained and only used appropriately.
Support for others
Members of each House should encourage and support one another in all activities they undertake.
Peer support
Invariably, there will be some ups and downs when settling in. In each Boarding House, a Year
11 boy is assigned to each new boy. His task is not only to be an effective role model but, more importantly, to look after the new boy and assist him in settling in.
There is no tolerance for bullying, harassment or anti-social behaviour within the boarding community.
Punctuality
For the smooth and efficient running of the House, every boy is expected to be on time for meals, House meetings, roll call, etc., and he alone is responsible for this.
Fabric and furniture
Everyone in the House is responsible:
• Individually for their ‘own’ area(s) of the House, and belongings.
• Collectively for shared areas. No food or drink is to be taken into the dormitories.
Cigarettes/vaping/alcohol/drugs
As a Scotch boarder, all boys are bound by school policies. This involves student-related policies on cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, drugs, and ICT, as detailed in the Student Record Book and on the Scotch website.
Consuming non-alcoholic beverages that imitate drinking alcohol (for example, zero-alcohol beer) is not permitted in the boarding premises.
A day in the life of a boarder
7:00-7:30am Knock on door. Lights on. Woken by staff or Prefect. Shower. Get dressed. Tidy room.
7:30-8:15am Breakfast.
8:15am Prepare for school, collect books for morning classes.
8:25am Walk to Senior School (three minutes).
8:35am Period 1 and 2 classes.
10:20am School Assembly. Form or Tutor Meetings
10:50am Recess. Gather books for Period 3 and 4
11:10am Period 3 class.
12:05pm Period 4 class.
12:55pm Lunch.
1:45pm Period 5 and 6 classes.
3:30pm Attend sports training. Alternatively, attend the Centre for Learning (CFL) for further study.
4:45pm Spare time: short visit to local shops, or relax with friends – play pool or tennis.
6:00pm Dinner.
7:00pm Prep
8:30pm Supper in Boarding Houses
8:45pm House meeting to hear announcements, any congratulations to individual boys, or news of upcoming events.
9:00pm Recreation
9:15pm Bedtime Years 7 and 8
9:30pm Bedtime Year 9
10:00pm Bedtime Year 10
10:30pm Bedtime Year 11
10:30pm All Year 12s must be in their rooms
Safety
Fire-fighting equipment
Hoses and extinguishers have been provided in several locations, in and around the House for fighting fires only.
Escape corridors and fire-escapes
These should be left unobstructed. Chairs and the like should not be left on stair landings.
Fire alarm
In the event of a fire or evacuation siren sounding, all persons in the House should proceed as per instructions, without panic or noise.
Leave procedures
Orah
Orah is a safe and simple student leave management system.
All leave from the Boarding Houses must be requested and recorded through Orah. All boarders and their parents/legal guardians will receive an invitation to join Orah and will need to download the Orah app. Leave requests are initiated by either the boarder, parents or legal guardians, with the Head of Boarding House giving the final approval.
Overnight
leave
When a boy stays out of the Boarding House for one or more nights.
Parent/legal guardian permission is required via Orah and then final approval from the Head of House. The Deputy Head of House and Director of Boarding can also approve. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty.
Glenferrie Road leave
Leave to go up Glenferrie Road between Scotch and MLC from 3:30pm to 5:45pm.
Leave is restricted to 75 minutes and boys in Years 7 and 8 are to travel in groups of three or more, unless approved by the Head of House or Deputy Head of House. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty.
Off
campus leave
Leave off campus beyond Glenferrie Road, e.g. meals, medical appointment, city, cinema, stadium or shopping.
Parent/legal guardian permission is required via Orah and then final approval from the Head of House. The Deputy Head of House and Director of Boarding can also approve. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty.
Scotch campus leave
Leave to Scotch campus venues – Arthur Robinson House, McMeckan House, School House, ovals, courts, James Forbes Academy, gym, pool, dining hall, etc.
Students must sign in and out using the kiosk.
Service leave
Leave for off campus service activity.
Students must sign in and out using the kiosk.
Community/representative sport and tutoring leave
Leave for community/representative sport training or fixtures and tutoring.
Parent/legal guardian permission is required via Orah and then final approval from the Head of House. The Deputy Head of House and Director of Boarding can also approve. It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to ensure that community/representative sports coaches and tutors have a valid Working With Children Check. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty.
Boarders’ trip/activity leave
Leave for boarders’ day activity, e.g. socials, gokarting, bike riding, climbing centre, theatre.
Students will need to apply to the person running the trip. Parent/legal guardian permission is required via Orah and then final approval from the Head of House. The Deputy Head of House and Director of Boarding can also approve. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty.
Sporting events and concerts leave
Leave to attend sporting events and concerts.
Parent/legal guardian permission is required via Orah and then final approval from the Head of House. The Deputy Head of House and Director of Boarding can also approve. Leave for sporting events and concerts must comply with boarding guidelines, which vary depending on year level and event timings. Students must sign in and out with the staff member of duty.
Trip or camp leave
Leave for school trip or overnight camp.
An authorisation form and trip information sheet will be generated by the Scotch Information System and sent to the parent/legal guardian to be signed and returned to the staff member in charge of the trip/camp. Students must sign in and out with the staff member on duty
Leave for hosted events
Early leave
If at the end of any term or before an Exeat weekend, a boy needs to leave school before the officially stated time in order to reach home, he must apply well in advance for early leave to his Head of Day House or Head of Middle School. It is important that missed school time is kept to a minimum. Early departure before the official end of term is discouraged.
Medical, dental, and similar appointments
Such appointments should not be made for Wednesday afternoons when service activities are being held. Leave must be obtained from the Head of House or the staff member on duty. If the appointment occurs during school time, permission should be sought from the appropriate Head of Day House or Head of Middle School. The Matron or House Manager may be available to take the boarder to his appointment.
Insurance
Boarders’ personal items are not covered by the school’s insurance policies. Each family should ensure that valuable items, such as computers, mobile phones, sporting goods, and the like, are clearly marked with the owner’s name. Where possible, an extension clause should be added to household insurance policies to cover such items. Boys should lock items away in their lockers, safes, and cupboards where appropriate.
Clothing
Parents/guardians can help facilitate the smooth running of the Boarding Houses by adhering to the following list of clothing requirements, and by ensuring their sons bring only the clothes on this list into the Houses. The school reserves the right to make boys send home any items that do not conform to these instructions.
Wardrobes and drawer space in a boarding house is necessarily limited. Unnecessary clothing results in untidiness, bad habits and poor management of bedroom space.
Please select clothing that is easy to launder through the school wash, smart and neat in appearance, and of long wearing quality to suit the active life of a Hill boarder.
All items must be named clearly and securely. New items purchased during the term should be presented to the Matron or House Manager before they are worn so that a name tag can be attached.
Suppliers
Scotch uniforms are only available from the Scotch Shop, situated within The Tolson Centre at number 4 Morrison Street: www.noone.com.au/school/.scotch-collegemelbourne/stores.
Swap Shop
Items of used clothing may be purchased at the School Swap Shop, which is open the day before school starts in the Senior School. The Swap Shop, located at number 5 Morrison Street (9810 4402) is run by a committee of parents working voluntarily.
Academic uniform
The academic uniform, launched in 2025 and first worn in 2026, features a wardrobe of items from which boys can choose what they are most comfortable in, all year round. The wardrobe contains:
• Graphite pants and shorts
• Short and long-sleeved white shirt
• Grey jumper and grey vest
• Grey Scotch College socks
• Tie (optional in Terms 1 and 4)
• Scotch College blue hat
Students are also required to have the graphite blazer (Years 7 and 8) or the Candy Coat (Years 9-12), black belt and black leather school shoes.
In Year 12, boys are able to wear the Year 12 blue jumper, Year 12 tie or Prefect tie.
Sport uniform
Sport uniform will be required and will vary depending on your son’s sport selection.
Staff at the Scotch Shop can provide advice on the suggested quantity required for each item. New families are encouraged to make an appointment for a fitting by following the link https://www.noone.com.au/school/scotch-collegemelbourne/stores
The Scotch Shop will also be open during the Boarders’ Transition Camp, held over a weekend in Term 4 of the year prior to starting at the school.
For a complete list of school uniform requirements, please refer to the Scotch Shop Uniform Guide.
Other clothing
Clothing for Leisure
• One pair of jeans in plain and subdued colours
• One pair of casual trousers (not denim)
• One pair of tracksuit pants in dark colour
• Three pairs of shorts (optional)
• Casual shoes/thongs – for showers, casual shoes and sneakers as appropriate
• One or two casual shirts with collar suitable for dancing class, travel and special leave. Shirts must be able to withstand very hot water in the school laundry. Shirts which are made of 100% synthetic fibres are not satisfactory for this.
• Two jumpers or windcheaters – plain colours are preferred but subdued patterns are acceptable
• Three t-shirts or polo shirts or skivvies
• One pair of red Scotch Speedos.
Casual clothing should conform to the following conditions:
• Colours and patterns must be subdued and there should be no extremes of fashion.
• Any insignias or writing must be in good taste and acceptable to the Head of House.
Underwear
• 10 pairs of cotton underpants (fast colours are essential). For hygienic reasons, underwear must be laundered at very high temperatures.
Nightwear
• Two summer pyjamas or boxer shorts and tshirt
• Two winter pyjamas
• One dressing gown (optional)
Miscellaneous Linen
(Mattress, pillows and protectors are supplied)
• One duvet/doona (clearly named at each end)
• Two duvet/doona covers (clearly named on the outside at each end)
• Two cotton king single fitted sheets
• Two cotton king single flat sheets
• Two or four cotton pillow slips
• Four towels of medium size (two are in use simultaneously for normal showering in the House and after sport in changing rooms)
• One swim towel (medium size)
• Mouthguard (compulsory for some House sporting activities)
Toilet accessories
• Comb, hairbrush, nail brush, toothpaste, and toothbrush
• Liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant (preferably roll-on stick) and shave cream
• Small plastic basket with handle to hold toiletries (to carry to and from bathroom)
Other
• Shoe cleaning outfit and clothes brush
• One bedhead lamp – Arthur Robinson House only
• One extension lead
• Sleeping bag for camps
• Alarm clock (not mobile phone)
• Two large water bottles
Sports Uniform
Every boy must have correct attire for the sport he plays. School and House football jerseys and socks can be purchased when needed at the Scotch Uniform Shop.
Instructions for marking clothing and linen
All articles of clothing and linen must be clearly marked with Cash’s woven name tags (iron-on or printed name tags are not satisfactory) before being brought into the House at the start of the year. The more clearly the name tags are displayed, the less chance of loss.
Parents are advised to order name tags one month in advance. A minimum of 12 dozen name tags should be ordered. For a new boarder, we recommend ordering 20 dozen for comparatively little extra cost.
• All linen to be marked on the outside corner so as to be clearly visible when folded
• Suits, shirts, underclothing and pullovers to be marked at centre back of collar, and at back waist of trousers and shorts
• Short socks to be marked with name tags vertically on the inside top of each sock
• Long socks to be marked with name tags vertically on the outside top of each sock
• Each boy must bring a supply of Cash’s woven name tags for marking clothes purchased during the term. At least 24 name tags are to be left with the Matron or House Manager
• Shoes must be marked
• Watches and computers should be engraved with the boy’s name
• A duvet or doona, if used, should be named clearly at each end. Covers should be name tagged on the outside at each end
Laundry, dry cleaning and sewing clothing
A laundry is located in the Boarding House complex and is operated on weekdays by school staff. Boarders are not required to do their own washing and ironing; dirty clothes are left by the boys in conveniently located laundry bags, and the cleaned clothes are usually returned within 24 hours to each boy’s pigeonhole.
Woollen items (especially socks and casual jumpers) should not be put out to be washed in the school laundry. Woollen jumpers and very good casuals should be sent out to be dry cleaned.
A dry-cleaning service is available, and the charges are debited to the parent’s school account.
At the end of each term, uniform items worn during term should be put out to be dry cleaned and subsequently checked for repair by the Matron or House Manager
Sewing is carried out for the boys by the Matron, House Manager, or their assistant. No extra charge is made for this service.
Clothing Regulations
Complete uniform must be worn to and from school each weekday. Boys should be proud to wear the uniform, and therefore to wear each of the items correctly; that is, shirt tucked in and socks pulled up.
Socks must be of the correct colour When wearing a tie, the top shirt button must be done up and covered by the tie.
If a non-white t-shirt or t-shirt with motif is worn under the school shirt then this must be covered at all times by a school jumper and/or blazer or candy coat.
The uniform of the day should be worn to breakfast during the week.
